System and method for mounting a flat panel device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for mounting a flat panel device are provided. The system includes a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a flat panel device therein, and a tension plate attached to the frame that provides for leveling of the frame and retention of the frame in the wall. The method includes providing a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a flat panel device therein and a tension plate attached to the frame, inserting the frame into a hole in a wall on which the flat panel device is to be mounted, adjusting the tension plate to level the frame and retain the frame in the hole, and mounting the flat panel device in the receiving space.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/051,485, filed May 8, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND Field

A system and method for mounting a flat panel device are disclosedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a front exploded perspective view of a flat panel devicemounting system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear exploded perspective view of the flat panel devicemounting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the flat panel device mounting system of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a partial exploded side cross-sectional view of the flat paneldevice mounting system of FIG. 1, taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3,mounted to existing studs of a wall;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the flat panel device mounting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the flat panel device mountingsystem of FIG. 1, taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a side exploded view of an exemplary of retaining plate,tension plate, and adjustment device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary flat panel device mounting railaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the flat panel device mounting rail of FIG. 8;and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for installing a flat panel deviceaccording to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to the mounting of flat paneltechnologies or devices, including but not limited to current flat paneltechnologies, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasmadisplay panel (PDP) devices, and similar devices, as well as future flatpanel devices, such as OLED (organic light emitting diode) thin paneldisplay devices, in a pre-constructed recessed cavity retro fitted in anon load bearing interior wall. Embodiments may provide a substantiallyridged recessed wall mounting structure to support all sizes and stylesof flat panel technologies without the need for heavy wallreinforcement, custom carpentry, or millwork. The recessed nature of themount provides a clean look with hidden cabling path(s), and resolvespotential ADA challenges in high walking traffic areas. Additionally,future recessed applications, such as post electrical back box, post lowvoltage cable management, in wall shelving, and the like, can benefitfrom this mounting application.

Embodiments may be constructed of carbon fiber or all metal components,such as steel, aluminum, sheet metal, and similar materials, creating abox style cavity, with universal mounting infrastructure, cablingpathways, sealed fire retardant construction, a mechanically adjustedleveling and locking device, suited for in wall recessed mounting ofcurrent and future flat panel technologies, such as LCD devices, PDPdevices, or OLED devices.

FIG. 1 is a front exploded perspective view of a flat panel devicemounting system according to an embodiment. The flat panel devicemounting system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a frame 10. The frame 10 isconfigured to receive a flat panel device 500 in a cavity or receivingspace 10 a. The frame 10 creates a back cavity or recessed box for theflat panel device 500 to be recessed into a wall.

The frame 10 may be rectangular or another suitable shape correspondingto a shape of the flat panel device to be mounted. Further, the frame 10may be formed of carbon fiber or a metal, such as steel, aluminum, sheetmaterial, or a similar material. Furthermore, the frame 10 may be asolid structure molded, welded, or press formed, for example.

A front of the frame 10 may include a flange 10 b configured to coverand seal an area of a wall cut for installation of the system 1. Theflange 10 b may extend around the front of the frame 10, as shown inFIGS. 1-3. The flange 10 b may be, for example, approximately 2 inchesin width; however, other widths may be appropriate based on a particularsize and/or application of the mounting system.

The front (i.e. flange 10 b) of the frame 10 may be capable of beingresurfaced with, for example, paint, wood, plastics, and/or otherdecorative trims to a customer's requirements. Polished or brushedfinishes may require treatment of the frame to accomplish a unique look.

The flat panel device mounting system 1 may further include one or moreretaining plate(s) 20. The retaining plate(s) 20 may be attacheddirectly to an existing stud 110, such as an existing wood or metalstud, of a wall by an attachment device, such as, for example, holes 20b and bolts 20 c. The retaining plate(s) 20 may be formed of metal oranother suitable material. A shape and dimension of the retainingplate(s) 20 may allow for an exact gauge of depth to be positioned onthe stud 110 to an edge of a drywall or plaster wall surface. Theretaining plate(s) 20 may each include a notch and angle 20 a provided,respectively, at a top or bottom edge of the respective retaining plate20 that allows a tension plate 30 and a locking wedge 120, discussedherein below, to firmly “lock” the frame 10 in position in a wall, asdiscussed herein below.

That is, the flat panel device mounting system 1 may further include thetension plate 30, which may be configured to be “locked” to theretaining plate(s) 20, as shown in FIGS. 3-7. In this embodiment, thetension plate 30 is shown attached to a lower exterior wall of the frame10; however, alternatively, the tension plate may be attached to anupper or side exterior wall of the frame 10. The tension plate 30functions to level and support the frame 10, and thus, the flat paneldevice 500. The tension plate 30 is configured to fit in a recess 20 dformed by the notch and angle 20 a of the respective retainer plate, asshown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 1, an adjustment device 45, in thisembodiment comprising one or more adjustment bolt(s) 50, washer(s) 60,and corresponding locking nut(s) 70 may be provided, the one or moreadjustment bolt(s) 50 mating with one or more threaded hole(s) 30 aprovided in the tension plate 30. The tension plate 30 allows the frame10 to be leveled by adjustment of the adjustment bolt(s) 50. Further,compressive force provided by the tension plate 30 maintains thepositioning of the frame 10 in the wall.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the one or more adjustment bolt(s) 50carry a load of the frame 10 and flat panel device 500 to the tensionplate 30. The adjustment bolt(s) 50 may be inserted through the frame 10via one or more non-threaded hole(s) 50 a at predetermined locationsbased on a size of the frame 10. The adjustment bolt(s) 50 may eachreceive a corresponding washer 60 and be held in place by a locking nut70. The washer 10 may be provided on the respective adjustment bolt 50between a head 50 b of the adjustment bolt 50 and the frame 10, as shownin FIG. 1. The washer 60 may be attached or welded to the adjustmentbolt 50 to limit vertical movement of the respective adjustment bolt 50.The locking nut 70 may be, for example, attached or welded to theadjustment bolt 50 to retain the connection between the tension plate 30and the adjustment bolt 50. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, use of thelocking nut(s) 70 allow movement of the adjustment bolt(s) 50 downward,the retainer plate(s) 20 pushing upward to lift the frame 10 and “lock”it into position. The adjustment bolt(s) 50 may each be, for example, anapproximately ½ inch bolt, approximately 2.5 to 3 inches long.

One or more mounting rail(s) 150 may be provided to mount the flat paneldevice 500 within the receiving space 10 a of the frame 10, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 8. The mounting rail(s) 150 each may be in the form of arail including one or more mounting rail hook(s) 150 a. The embodimentof FIG. 4 includes two mounting rail hooks 150 a. The mounting rail(s)150 may be configured to be attached to the flat panel display 500, asshown in FIG. 4, by, for example, one or more locking stud(s) 80. Inthis way, a hook to rail assembly may be provided which mounts the flatpanel device 500 in the receiving space 10 a formed by the frame 10, asdiscussed herein below.

One or more mounting rail slot(s) 160 may be provided on the mountingrail(s) 150, as shown in FIG. 9. The mounting rail slot(s) 160 may be inthe form of a slot cut into a vertical center line of the respectivemounting rail 150. This allows for center line adjustment using a deadcenter mark 200 to a center line of a horizontal position of the flatpanel device 500. The dead center mark 200 enables multiple sized flatpanel devices to be installed and centered with respect to an interiorof the receiving space 10 a formed by the frame 10.

The one or more locking stud(s) 80 may be provided, to attach or “lock”the one or more mounting rail(s) 150 to the flat panel device 500, asshown in FIG. 4. The one or more locking stud(s) 80 may each be athreaded bolt. Further, a bolt head 80 a of each of the locking stud(s)80 may have locking edges or make use of a locking washer (not shown) tomaintain its position.

One or more hanging rail(s) 90 may be provided within the receivingspace 10 a of the frame 10. The hanging rail(s) 90 may be formedintegral with, attached to, or welded as a part of a cable channel(s) 40as discussed herein below. The hanging rail(s) 90 allow the mountingrail(s) 150 and the mounting rail hook(s) 150 a to latch onto the frame10 to adjustably mount the flat panel device 500 within the receivingspace 10 a. The mounting rail hook(s) 150 a may be in the form of a hookhaving, for example, an approximately ½ to ¾ inch deep edge that allowsa respective mounting rail 150 to hook onto a respective hanging rail90. The mounting rail(s) and hook(s) may be angled to allow for a tightgravity created fit.

As set forth above, the flat panel display mounting system 1 may furtherinclude one or more cable channel(s) 40 provided formed integral with,attached to, or welded to the one or more hanging rail(s) 90. The cablechannel(s) 40 may be formed by welding a top and bottom of the hangingrail(s) 90 to an interior of the receiving space 10 a of the frame 10.The cable channel(s) 40 allow cabling to be easily run from one side ofthe frame 10 to the other without interference from the flat paneldevice 500 or crossing video (low voltage) or power (high voltage)lines.

One or more j-box(es) 100 may be provided. Each j-box 100 may be, forexample, an approximately 2 inch deep×approximately 3 inchtall×approximately 2 inch wide box formed integral with, attached to, orwelded to the frame 10. A left side j-box 100, as shown in FIG. 1, maybe configured to hold a power receptacle. A cover 130, which may be inthe form of a “snap cover”, may be provided to seal and hide an openingfor cable management and fire rating. A right side j-box 100, forexample, may allow low voltage cabling to pass into the frame 10 andcable channel(s) 40 connecting to the flat panel device 500.

The one or more cover(s) 130 may each include at least one hole 130 athrough which electronic cabling may be passed. The one or more cover(s)130 may be formed of an L shaped plate. The L shaped plate may be formedof metal, for example. Two small tabs (not shown) may be provided at afront of the L shaped plate to fit under an edge of the respective cablechannel 40, firmly holding the plate in place as a top of the L shapedplate snaps under a front edge of the j-box 100. Removal of therespective cover 130 may be facilitated by a small notch (not shown)provided in a top of the L shaped plate and pulled loose with, forexample, a flat head screw driver.

The existing wall stud(s) is/are referred to in the drawings byreference numeral 110. The existing wall stud(s) 110 may be, forexample, standard studs, metal or wood, commonly called a 2×4 (studactual dimensions are typically approximately 1.5 inch×approximately 3.5inch). The frame 10 may be set in a larger dimension wall space asneeded. Smaller wall cavities may be custom milled per application.

A locking wedge 120 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 5. In thisembodiment, the locking wedge 120 is shown at an upper exterior wall ofthe frame 10; however, alternatively, the locking wedge may be providedat a lower or side exterior wall of the frame 10. In any case, thelocking wedge 120 may be provided at an exterior wall opposite to anexterior wall to which the tension plate 30 is attached. The lockingwedge 120 may be, for example, an approximately ½ inch tall wedge with asmall tooth edge. The small tooth edge allows the locking wedge 120 tolock into the retaining plate(s) 120. The locking wedge 120 may be, forexample, formed integrally with the frame 10 or may be welded to theexterior of the frame 10.

One or more hole(s) 140 may be provided in, for example, a side 10 c ofthe frame 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of the hole(s) 140 mayfunction as a pass through location for, for example, high voltage andlow voltage cabling. The cabling may be secured with a threaded clampingdevice (not shown). One or more cable clamp(s) 180 may be provided asrequired per building code for high voltage cable management.

One or more AC receptacle(s) 190 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 4.The one or more AC receptacle(s) 190 may be in the form of a standardsingle gang power receptacle, most commonly referred to as a dual outletor wall outlet. A single clock style outlet may be acceptable for poweras well.

According to one embodiment, the frame 10 may be made of anapproximately 1/16 inch to approximately ⅛ inch thick material, such ascarbon fiber, aluminum, steel, sheet metal, or another similar orsuitable material, depending on a size of the flat panel device to bemounted. As set forth above, the frame may be a solid structure molded,welded, or press formed. The tension plate 30 may be made of anapproximately ⅛ inch to approximately ¼ inch thick steel plate tosupport the weight and stress across the wall studs 110 on which itsits. The adjustment bolt(s) 50 may be approximately ½ inch reversethread bolts for leveling and tensioning. An approximately ½ inch washer60 and locking nut 70 may be welded at a top most position of theapproximately ½ inch bolt after it is placed though the holes 30 a inthe frame 10, allowing for proper freedom of the adjustment bolt(s) 50to spin while tensioning the tension plate 30 below. Approximately 1/16inch thick channels 40, which may be made of metal, may be welded to theinterior of the receiving space of the frame 10 for structural supportand may provide upper and lower hanging rail(s) 90 to hold the mountinghook(s) 150 a of the mounting rail(s) 150 (attached to a flat paneldevice 500). Access to cables may be managed in a space between theframe exterior and the hanging rail interior space from either side ofthe frame to the inside of the frame. A left side of the frame maymanage a power source and a right side of the frame may manage all otherstructured cable audio and video requirements for the flat panel device500. These channels may be no deeper than approximately ¾ inch toaccommodate up to an approximately ½ inch in size cable and connector.

As set forth above, the front of the frame (i.e., the flange) may becapable of being resurfaced with, for example, paint, wood, plastics,and/or other decorative trims to a customer's requirements. Polished orbrushed finishes may require treatment of the frame to accomplish aunique look.

The frame may be made available in different sizes to accommodate allsizes of flat panel devices, such as LCD devices, PDP devices, andfuture OLED devices, with or without attached speakers. For example, onesize may hold an approximately 30 inch 16:9 format panel up to an 80inch 16:9 format panel. The frames may be ordered using, for example, amodel number or exact flat panel dimensions. The frame may allow forapproximately 1.5 inch of space at all edges of the frame to an outeredge of the flat panel device for heat ventilation. A depth of the framemay allow for a maximum recess of approximately 3.5 inch from a drywalledge to an interior of the wall. Although many models of flat paneldevices today have an overall depth of approximately 3.9 inch toapproximately 4.5 inch, back and sides of the flat panel device would besufficiently hidden from view for a clean look, while centering amajority of a weight over supporting lower studs.

One existing issue with prior art mounts is that they requirereinforcement of the wall, additional framing, wood backing, and/orother structural changes to attach a flat panel device to a wall. Theembodiments disclosed herein provide a mounting solution to center moreweight over studs in the wall and retain its position by tightening atension plate for a locking, snug fit.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for installing a flat panel device500 using a system 1 such as that shown in FIGS. 1-9. As shown in FIG.10, in step S210, a hole of suitable dimension may be cut in a desiredlocation in a desired wall in which the system 1 is to be mounted. Thismay involve cutting away the drywall (or a like wall surface) andremoving small sections of the existing (i.e., metal or wood) studs 110in any interior wall space. The cut drywall section may be cutapproximately 1 inch larger that dimensions of the frame 10. Retainerplate(s) 20 may be mounted to the existing wall studs 110, in step S220.

All electronic wiring may at this point be accessed from either side ofthe pre-drilled or cut-out wall sections. Power may be run by aprofessional electrician to a single outlet box provided in the flatpanel device 500. All other cables or electronic wiring may be run to anopposite side of the frame 10 to insure there is no signal interferencefrom the AC line or outlet.

Mounting rail(s) 150 may be attached onto the flat panel display 500, instep S230. In step S240, with the frame 10 angled, the tension plate 30may be balanced on lower retainer plate(s) 20 and any cabling orelectronic wiring inserted into the wall. By resting the tension plate30 on an edge of the cut-out hole, one or two people may run the cablingor electronic wiring through the frame 10 into the provided cablechannel(s) 40 through pass-through hole(s) 140 provided in the frame 10.The cable channel(s) 40 may be stuffed with insulation after the cablingor electronic wiring is installed to suppress drafting from fire (seelocal fire codes for best application). The frame 10 may then be tippedupwards with the tension plate 30 at a bottom most position. In stepS250, the frame 10 may be correctly positioned into the wall so that theflange 10 b covers the edges of the hole. Then, the adjustment device 45may be adjusted to level the frame 10 and secure it to the wall, in stepS260. Once in place, the tension plate 30 may be adjusted so that thelocking wedge 120 touches each stud 110 at a top-most position and forleveling purposes. This allows the frame 10 to be wedged into the holeor opening and then tightened to hold onto the drywall from each side ofthe frame 10. The flat panel device 500 may be lifted into position toslide onto the hanging rail(s) 90 provided in the receiving space 10 aof the frame 10, so that the mounting rail(s) 150 of the flat paneldisplay 500 are mounted onto the hanging rail(s) 90 within the receivingspace 10 a of the frame 10, and any additional cabling or electronicwiring may be inserted into cabling channel(s) 40, in step S270. Allholes may be configured to self seal for fire code purposes. Further,wires may be attached at this point from an underside of the flat paneldevice 500, with enough slack to hide all connections and cables.

In place of heavy wall reinforcement, installation of the flat paneldevice mounting system according to embodiments disclosed herein merelyrequires the cutting away of the drywall (or a like wall surface) andremoving small sections of the existing (metal or wood) studs in anyinterior wall space, which allows the system to securely lock into placewith minimal effort. The retaining plates, which may be formed of metal,may be attached to multiple studs top and bottom. The tension plate,which may be provided at an underside of the mount, allows for securetightening and leveling of the frame. The flange, which may extendaround the front exterior of the frame, may provide a finished look forthe rough cut opening. Once installed, the clean cable managementsolution of the disclosed embodiments, in home or office interiors, mayeliminate the need for additional framing. The system may provide it'sown finished edge with a number of styles and material type options.Further, there is enough space around the flat panel device to allow forproper cooling without the aid of a fan. An optional fan may be used inwarmer climate application. Hidden cable path(s) may accommodatemultiple inputs and up to a largest input type for an LCD device or PDPdevice, a VGA computer cable. A universal mounting plate may beprovided, designed specifically to work with this frame or toaccommodate an existing mount for tilt and pivot requirements. A setsize may be provided for each range of flat panel device to keepproduction costs at a minimum, but not overwhelming a size of the flatpanel device being installed.

Locking thread screws may be used for the tension plate of the frame toprevent the frame from becoming loose through vibration (for example,vibration caused by doors closing, hammering on opposite sides of thewall, or construction above or below floors). To set the frame in place,a location may be designated at a proper height based on a consumer'sapplication. Either by contractor or homeowner, a section of walldrywall and studs (non load bearing wall) may be cut approximately 1inch larger than the dimensions of the frame. All wiring may at thispoint be accessed from either side of the pre-drilled or cut-out wallsections. Power may be run by a professional electrician to a singleoutlet box provided in the flat panel device. All other cables orelectronic wiring may be run to an opposite side of the frame to insurethere is no signal interference from the AC line or outlet. By restingthe tension plate on an edge of the cut-out, one or two people may runthe cabling or electronic wiring through the frame into the providedcable channel(s) through pass-through holes provided in the frame. Thecable channel(s) may be stuffed with insulation after the wires areinstalled to suppress drafting from fire (see local fire codes for bestapplication). The frame may then be tipped upwards with the tensionplate at the bottom-most position. Once in place, the tension plate maybe adjusted so that the top locking wedge touches each stud at the topand for leveling purposes. This allows the frame to be wedged into theopening and then tightened from each side of the frame to hold onto thedrywall. The mounting rail(s) may be attached to a back of the flatpanel device that is being mounted. The flat panel device may then belifted into position to slide onto the hanging rail(s) provided at theback of the frame. The holes may self seal for fire code purposes. Wiresmay be attached at this point from an underside of the flat paneldevice, with enough slack in the cord to hide all connections andcables.

It is estimated that it should take approximately two people no longerthan approximately one hour to cut, set, and adjust the mounting system.This may offer a significant reduction in production time fromreconstructing and framing exact sizes for recessed applications. Italso allows for fixed mounting in walls that can not allow for rearreinforcement by plywood or studs. The cost difference in thisapplication to current man hours and materials needed may beapproximately half the cost or better depending on how much finish workis required by other trades in those current installations.

Ultimately, improvements to the design may be made as technology changesto accommodate future display types. This same application may have someuse in retrofitting recessed shelving and back box capability forelectrical pathways and data junction boxes.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

1. A system for mounting a flat panel device on a wall, the systemcomprising: a frame having a receiving space configured to receive aflat panel device therein; and a tension plate attached to the framethat provides for leveling of the frame and retention of the frame inthe wall.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is rectangular inshape.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed of asubstantially rigid material.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theframe is formed of a carbon fiber or a metal.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the metal comprises steel, aluminum, or a sheet metal.
 6. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the frame is molded, welded, or press formedto form the frame as a solid structure.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the frame comprises a flange at a front outer edge thereofconfigured to cover an area of a wall cut for installation of thesystem.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least oneattachment device configured to attach the tension plate to the frame,the at least one attachment device being adjustable to provide forleveling of the frame and retention of the frame in the wall.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the at least one attachment device comprises:one or more threaded adjustment bolts configured to mate with one ormore threaded holes provided in the tension plate; one or morecorresponding washers provided on the respective adjustment bolt andconfigured to limit vertical movement of the tension plate; and one ormore corresponding locking nuts configured to retain the connectionbetween the respective adjustment bolt and the tension plate.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of retainer platesconfigured to be mounted to an existing stud of a wall.
 11. The systemof claim 10, wherein the plurality of retainer plates are eachconfigured to be mounted to an existing stud of a wall by a plurality ofbolts configured to mate with a plurality of receiving holes formed inthe respective retainer plate.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein eachof the plurality of retainer plates comprises a notch and angle thatforms a recess configured to mate with one of the tension plate or alocking wedge provided on an exterior of the frame.
 13. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: one or more hanger rails installed withinthe receiving space; and one or more mounting rails configured to beattached to a flat panel device, wherein the one or more mounting railseach comprise one or more mounting hooks configured to mate with the oneor more hanger rails to mount the flat panel device in the receivingspace.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein upper and lower edges of theone or more hanger rails are attached to a rear wall of the receivingspace to form a channel configured to receive electronic wirings. 15.The system of claim 1, further comprising: a locking wedge provided onan exterior wall of the frame opposite to an exterior wall of the frameto which the tension place is attached.
 16. The system of claim 1,further comprising at least one j-box.
 17. The system of claim 16,further comprising at least one cover configured to be attached to theat least one j-box, the at least one cover having at least one hole forpassing electronic cabling therethrough.
 18. The system of claim 1,wherein the flat panel device comprises one of a LCD device, a PDPdevice, or an OLED device.
 19. A method of mounting a flat panel deviceon a wall, the method comprising: providing a frame having a receivingspace configured to receive a flat panel device therein and a tensionplate attached to the frame; inserting the frame into a hole in a wallon which the flat panel device is to be mounted; adjusting the tensionplate to level the frame and retain the frame in the hole; and mountingthe flat panel device in the receiving space.
 20. The method of claim 1,further comprising: attaching a plurality of retainer plates to existingstuds of the wall; and inserting the frame into the wall so that thetension plate is positioned adjacent the plurality of retainer plates.